The United Kingdom is preparing to officially recognize a Palestinian state this coming weekend, shortly after the departure of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
This step had originally been planned to coincide with the United Nations General Assembly, but the announcement was delayed so that it would not create additional tensions with Washington. At the time, both President Trump and his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, were strongly backing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
By moving forward now, the UK government is sending a clear message: it believes that the recognition of Palestinian statehood is not only a matter of principle but also an inalienable right of the Palestinian people. London has also emphasized that such recognition is critical for keeping the two-state solution alive, which many see as the only path to a lasting and just peace in the region.
Several other European nations, including France, Ireland, Norway, and Spain, have already recognized Palestine. With this decision, the UK will join more than 147 countries around the world that officially acknowledge Palestine as a state.
Disclaimer: This is an informational update based on reports available at the time of publication.